1922 $20 MS61 Certification #21572394, PCGS #9173

David Akers (1975/88)

The 1922 is a very common issue in terms of total number of Mint State pieces known. Obtaining one in MS-63 or lower grade will present the collector with no problem at all. However, in MS-64 or better condition, this issue is decidedly scarce, and I feel it is underrated at that level. The 1922 is clearly not in the same rarity category as the 1920 or 1923, but gems are surprisingly difficult to locate. A few superb MS-67 or better examples also exist. The nearly perfect Amon Carter, Jr. specimen now owned by Dr. Steven Duckor is such a coin, and I have seen several others that, if not quite the equal of the Duckor piece, still grade a full MS-67.

The 1922 is usually fairly well struck, but some specimens do have a slight weakness at the Capitol building and the stars near it. Most specimens are frosty, but many of the top grade ones have a satiny sheen to the surfaces. Color and lustre are generally very good. Most specimens have an appealing rich orange color, sometimes with coppery highlights.